Longwood Gardens

Big guy picking some berries

Big guy pointing at the trains

big guy playing with some rocks

Pretty lights on the tree

After thanksgiving, while hubs was in the midst of paper writing, big guy and I did a big adventure all by ourselves. It could have gone either way- complete disaster or complete success. I am happy to report that it was a complete success!

Big guy and I went to Longwood Gardens- where there is wide open land, lots of trees, a holiday model train set-up, and holiday lights once the sun starts to descend. WE got there around 2:30, big guy had drifted to sleep for the hour car ride- a definite part of our success. We went sans stroller (another excellent choice) and were supposed to have timed tickets, but I kind of played the "I'm the mom of a toddler and we need to run out some energy" card and they let us in!

We first did some inside time seeing all the Xmas flowers, decorated trees, etc. It was sooo hot and steamy in the conservatory and after chasing big guy for a half hour we bailed on the rest of the "tour." I had sweat marks on my shirt. We went out into the delightfully cool day and headed to the train display, where we promptly stayed for an hour. Oohing, aahing, yelling choo-choo, and trying to climb over the fence and get big guy's hands onto one of those trains. The only meltdown came when we left the area. But it was short lived and I kept my cool.

After that we walked around the grounds and then went to have dinner in the cafe. Big guy did an awesome job waiting in line and we got the turkey dinner special. I brought along some raisins and an apple. Big guy very calmly sat and ate turkey, green beans, raisins, and an apple. and I'm proud to say that every other older kid around us was eating chicken fingers, hot dogs, and mac n cheese. big guy was in good spirits, charming everyone in the cafe when he eventually decided sitting was for losers. We went outside, it was cool, but not cold. We saw the beautiful lights on the trees and caught (very luckily) the last five minutes of the fountain light show- which was totally mind boggling for big guy. And then we left for the car. It was such an awesome afternoon and big guy was totally stimulated and entertained!! yay!!